The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through its National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), has issued a funding opportunity titled the "Institutional Network Award for Promoting Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic Research Training" (U2C - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) under announcement number PAR-23-248. This initiative aims to cultivate a collaborative network of trainees and early-career investigators to advance research in kidney, urologic, and hematologic (KUH) diseases. It seeks to reshape traditional training structures and encourages institutions to develop integrated research training environments that bring together diverse disciplines and departments to foster the next generation of scientists. The program supports research training, professional development, and networking activities designed to enhance the skills, resources, and collaborative opportunities available to trainees.

The program requires applicants to submit a single unified application combining the U2C and TL1 components, with the U2C acting as the central administrative and support hub and the TL1 providing direct funding for at least five predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees. Successful institutions are expected to foster interdisciplinary collaborations and provide comprehensive training across the KUH research mission. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit joint applications involving multiple institutions from a metropolitan area to enhance networking and resource sharing.

Awardees are expected to relinquish any active T32 awards related to KUH research, consolidating all such training efforts under the U2C-TL1 framework. The overall goal of the U2C component is to provide centralized support for activities related to trainee recruitment, professional development, and networking. The TL1 component, meanwhile, focuses on funding highly competitive trainees and offering tailored research experiences, mentorship, and career development resources that prepare them for leadership roles in interdisciplinary scientific fields.

Applicants may submit new, renewal, or resubmission applications. The NIH intends to support several awards contingent on funding availability and the merit of applications. The total project period can extend for up to five years, with the U2C budget capped at 70% of the total TL1 budget. The program will follow a cooperative agreement model, with substantial NIH involvement in project activities. Institutions eligible to apply include public and private higher education institutions, nonprofits, and governmental organizations. Foreign institutions are not eligible, but foreign components within U.S.-based institutions are allowed.

A key element of the U2C-TL1 structure is the Professional Development Core, which will enhance trainee career preparation through a variety of initiatives, such as grant-writing workshops, leadership training, entrepreneurship education, and team-science development. The Networking Core will foster a community of KUH trainees by promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, peer networking, and outreach activities, including to underrepresented groups in science. Institutions are expected to provide infrastructure to support these activities and create a vibrant, inclusive research community.

This funding opportunity represents a significant evolution in NIDDK’s training approach, moving from smaller, department-specific training programs to larger, integrated networks aimed at creating a robust, interdisciplinary workforce equipped to address complex KUH research challenges. Applications are due by November 15, 2023, with subsequent deadlines through 2025. Institutions interested in applying are strongly encouraged to submit a letter of intent 30 days prior to the application due date.

This program offers a unique opportunity for institutions to contribute to the advancement of research in kidney, urologic, and hematologic diseases while providing vital training and career development support to the next generation of scientists in these critical areas.